Postal Heritage Buildings

India Post is issuing a special series of commemorative postage stamps to herald INDIPEX 2011 – World Philatelic Exhibition, held in New Delhi from 12–18 February 2011. The first set in this prestigious series celebrates India’s rich Postal Heritage Buildings, highlighting architectural grandeur and historic significance.

Delhi GPO

Located near the historic Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, Delhi GPO is among the select India Post buildings granted “Heritage Building” status by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Opened in 1855 and granted permanent status in 1865, the post office began functioning from its present structure in 1885. The land was acquired in 1870, and today the building spans 45,457 sq. ft. Representing classic British-period architecture, it stands as a proud reminder of India’s colonial postal legacy.

Shimla GPO

Established in 1883 on the Mall at the site known as “Conny Lodge,” Shimla GPO is one of the oldest post office buildings in India. During the British Raj, when Shimla served as the summer capital, the GPO played a vital role in managing official correspondence, including the important “Walayati Dak.”

This three-storey timbered structure with a tin roof features six large hollow stone-and-brick pillars traversing its height. An excellent example of English hill architecture, it was warmed by firewood until 1920 to help staff endure harsh winters. After suffering a major fire in 1972, the building was renovated and declared a Heritage Post Office in 1992.

Udagamandalam HPO

The first post office at Udagamandalam (Ootacamund) was opened in 1826 with minimal staff. Early records show it functioned from various premises, including a Government Bungalow and later a traveler’s bungalow.

In 1866, the Postal Department assumed full control of the building. A new combined Post and Telegraph Office was constructed on the same site, and in December 1883, the office shifted to its present premises. Together with the Telegraph Office and Law Courts, it forms an ornamental cluster of colonial-era buildings on Mount Road.

Cooch Behar HPO

Introduced in 1875 under the administrative control of Rangpur Postal Division, the Cooch Behar Post Office initially functioned from Purana Post Office Para. The present building was constructed by Maharaja Nriprendra Narayan during his reign.

Spanning 8,893 sq. ft., the structure symbolizes the region’s royal patronage of communication services. Over time, administrative reorganizations led to the formation of Jalpaiguri Division and later Cooch Behar Division in 1979, strengthening the postal network in the region.

Nagpur GPO

Regarded as the mother institution of the Postal Circle of the Central Province, Nagpur GPO is housed in a majestic Victorian building located in Civil Lines. Constructed between 1916–17 and 1920–21, it occupies 9.5 acres with a plinth area of 26,622 sq. ft.

The double-storey structure showcases Neo-Georgian architectural influences, blending exposed red brickwork with buff sandstone. Features include Tuscan columns, a Roman arch, semicircular stone screens (Jalis), and a central clock tower topped with a pavilion and flag mast. Antique post boxes and firefighting equipment further enhance its historic charm.

Lucknow GPO

Lucknow GPO, another iconic heritage structure, represents the architectural elegance of the colonial era. With its grand façade and historic significance, it remains a landmark of the city and an enduring symbol of India’s evolving postal system.

Miniature Sheet – INDIPEX 2011

To commemorate this rich legacy, India Post released a Miniature Sheet comprising six commemorative postage stamps featuring:

• Delhi GPO
• Shimla GPO
• Udagamandalam HPO
• Cooch Behar HPO
• Nagpur GPO
• Lucknow GPO

This philatelic issue not only celebrates architectural heritage but also honors the enduring legacy of India’s postal network, which has connected the nation across centuries.